PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — Providence voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure requiring the city to avoid investments connected to countries profiting from what the measure describes as genocide, apartheid, ethnic cleansing or prolonged military occupation, making Providence the second U.S. city to adopt an Israel-divestment policy by popular vote.
The measure passed with roughly 75% support, according to The Guardian. Organizers said the campaign was designed to force divestment from companies and financial instruments connected to Israel, including investments they argue contribute to the war in Gaza and the occupation of Palestinian territories.
Providence for Palestine began with about 40 volunteers and eventually built a much larger field operation. The coalition collected more than 10,000 signatures, knocked on roughly 17,000 doors, made 18,000 phone calls and said it spoke with tens of thousands of residents before Election Day. (theguardian.com)
Organizers included local chapters of Jewish Voice for Peace, Democratic Socialists of America, the American Federation of Teachers and American Muslims for Palestine.
The result follows a similar divestment vote in Somerville, Massachusetts, and comes as public opinion toward Israel’s conduct in Gaza has become more critical. An AP-NORC poll found about three in 10 U.S. adults believe Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians. (apnews.com)
Supporters are now openly discussing Providence as a model for campaigns elsewhere, while opponents of such measures argue municipal governments should avoid using investment policy to take sides in foreign conflicts.
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